Dear Little One,
I may not know your journey or who you are, and perhaps our paths will never cross. But I hold onto hope that you will achieve remarkable things in your life. All you need is a chance to fight, and I encourage you to give it everything you have. No matter how tough things get, stay strong.
To your mother, my heart goes out to her. I can only imagine the immense challenges she faces as she watches you battle for your life. You both need support, and if my breast milk can provide even a fraction of that help, it brings me joy. The countless hours I have dedicated to pumping, sanitizing, and preparing this milk for you are worth every moment.
I have chosen to become a donor for several reasons. There is a prevalent stigma surrounding donor milk. Some people view it as unappealing or see accepting it as a sign of surrender, as if they are giving up on their child. Many mothers wish to breastfeed but cannot produce milk for various reasons. This is where donors like myself come into play.
I find inspiration in NICU families like yours. My friend, Ella, works as a pediatric nurse, and although she cannot share specific stories about her patients, she has conveyed how even an ounce of breast milk can profoundly affect tiny babies like you. It offers a unique comfort and strength that is difficult to articulate.
Out there, a parent is experiencing heartbreak, watching their child struggle behind a glass barrier, nourishing them with a minuscule syringe, uncertain if their little one will make it to the next meal. As I pump in the quiet hours of the night, while my family sleeps, my thoughts are with them and with you. Each moment spent with the machine reminds me of the hope and strength we share. I count, clean, and package the milk, all while praying for you. Yes, it requires immense effort. But it is so worth it.
Globally, over 15 million premature babies are born each year. In the United States alone, around 500,000 are born prematurely. A baby born between 37 weeks is considered “moderate to late” preterm, while those born between 28-32 weeks are classified as “very preterm.” Babies born at 28 weeks or earlier are termed “extremely preterm,” and those weighing less than 1 and 3/4 pounds are referred to as “micro preemies.”
These precious infants, like you, often spend their early days in incubators, surrounded by the sounds of machines and bright lights, connected to tubes and cared for by dedicated medical teams. The NICU is a place no parent wishes to be, and they long for the day they can bring their child home. Research indicates that breast milk provides essential long-term benefits for preterm infants, packed with vital nutrients, antibodies, and stem cells.
So, take this gift. Keep fighting, and grow into someone extraordinary! I believe in you.
To every parent out there, remember it takes a village. For those with little ones in the NICU, know that my silent support is with you every step of the way. I am excited to see who your child will become!
With love,
Donor Number: 0000060340